Cathy DeCock
Executive Director
As Via’s Executive Director, Cathy brings more than 30 years of non-profit management expertise to Via Heart Project. Cathy joined Via in 2011, one year after Via was founded. As Chief Operating Officer, she created and led amazing teams that have enabled Via to grow to managing almost 3,000 AEDs...
Liz Thomas-Grainger
Program and Accounting Manager
Liz was born and raised in the Napa Valley but has lived in San Francisco for seven years now. After graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Communicative Disorders, Liz joined the team at Via to work with our global accounts.
Pam Dodson
Director of Program Development
Pam Dodson comes to Via Heart Project after retiring from a career in Emergency Medical Services. Over a span of nearly 30 years of service, she developed these life-saving programs...
Clare Hanly
Data & Technical Specialist
Clare is a San Francisco native who has worked with Via Heart Project since graduating from Chapman University in 2021. She has experience in communication research and sociology...
Payton Everheart
Program and Billing Coordinator
Payton is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Electronic Media and Communications. She has recently moved to The Bay Area after spending the last 15 years in Texas and Illinois.
Skylar Vinson
Program and Grants Coordinator
Skylar is a recent graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in Communication Studies. She is originally from the Bay Area and has recently moved to San Francisco.
About Our Founder
Liz Lazar-Johnson
Founder
Liz founded Via Heart Project in January of 2010, and served as Via’s first Executive Director for 14 years. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology, she found her passion in raising automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness and helping the families of sudden cardiac arrest victims. She resides in San Diego, California with her husband and their daughter Alexandra.